OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the efficiency of shear wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: This retrospective study constituted of 446 patients with 510 thyroid nodules. SWE values and ultrasound parameters of each nodule were used for comparison and analysis. RESULTS: The ultrasonography findings between malignant and benign nodules differed significantly (P< 0.05). The benign and PTMC nodule groups showed a remarkable difference in the stiffness, i.e., higher SWE values. CONCLUSION: SWE is useful in diagnosing micro thyroid nodules, and the values were significantly correlated with tumor size and thyroid capsule invasion of PTMC.
OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the efficiency of shear wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: This retrospective study constituted of 446 patients with 510 thyroid nodules. SWE values and ultrasound parameters of each nodule were used for comparison and analysis. RESULTS: The ultrasonography findings between malignant and benign nodules differed significantly (P< 0.05). The benign and PTMC nodule groups showed a remarkable difference in the stiffness, i.e., higher SWE values. CONCLUSION: SWE is useful in diagnosing micro thyroid nodules, and the values were significantly correlated with tumor size and thyroid capsule invasion of PTMC.